Positioning:
The Mazda MX-6 was positioned as a stylish and sporty front-wheel-drive coupe, often considered a more affordable and practical alternative to luxury performance coupes of its era. It aimed to blend sporty aesthetics with everyday usability.
Competitors:
Key competitors included the Toyota Camry Solara, Honda Prelude, Mitsubishi Eclipse, and Ford Probe (which shared underpinnings with the MX-6).
Notable Features Vehicle:
Optional 4-Wheel Steering (4WS), available V6 engines, sleek coupe styling, front-wheel drive, optional sunroof.
Value:
This comprehensive manual provides the critical technical information necessary for accurate diagnosis, maintenance, and repair, saving owners significant costs compared to dealership service. Its completeness ensures it can handle virtually any task on the vehicle.
Powertrain:
Engine mechanical (V6 and Inline-4), fuel system, ignition system, exhaust system, cooling system, lubrication system.
Drivetrain:
Manual and automatic transmissions, clutch system, drivetrain components (driveshafts, CV joints, differentials).
Chassis:
Suspension (front and rear), steering system (including 4-Wheel Steering), braking system (ABS included), wheels and tires.
Electrical:
Wiring diagrams, lighting systems, charging system, starting system, instrumentation, power accessories, fuse/relay locations.
Body And Interior:
Body panels, doors, windows, locks, interior trim, HVAC system, seats, airbags (if equipped).
Maintenance:
Scheduled maintenance, fluid checks and changes, filter replacements, tune-ups.
Repair And Rebuild:
Engine overhaul, transmission rebuilds, brake caliper replacement, suspension component installation, electrical component diagnosis and replacement.
Diagnostics:
Troubleshooting guides, diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs), circuit testing, component testing procedures.
Specifications And Tolerances:
Torque specifications, engine clearances, fluid capacities, electrical resistance values, alignment specifications.
Depth:
Comprehensive, covering everything from basic maintenance to advanced engine and transmission overhauls, electrical diagnostics, and body repair.
Engine Code First Gen Base:
FE-DOHC (2.0L Inline-4)
Engine Displacement First Gen Base:
1998 cc
Engine Power First Gen Base:
108 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Engine Torque First Gen Base:
125 lb-ft @ 3500 rpm (approx.)
Engine Code First Gen Optional:
VG30E (3.0L V6)
Engine Displacement First Gen Optional:
2960 cc
Engine Power First Gen Optional:
145 hp @ 4800 rpm (approx.)
Engine Torque First Gen Optional:
180 lb-ft @ 3200 rpm (approx.)
Engine Code Second Gen Base:
KF-DE (2.0L Inline-4)
Engine Displacement Second Gen Base:
1998 cc
Engine Power Second Gen Base:
118 hp @ 5500 rpm (approx.)
Engine Torque Second Gen Base:
128 lb-ft @ 4000 rpm (approx.)
Engine Code Second Gen Optional:
KL-ZE (2.5L V6 DOHC)
Engine Displacement Second Gen Optional:
2497 cc
Engine Power Second Gen Optional:
168 hp @ 6000 rpm (approx.)
Engine Torque Second Gen Optional:
156 lb-ft @ 5000 rpm (approx.)
Engine Type:
Inline-4, V6 (DOHC for later models)
Injection Type:
Electronic Fuel Injection (EFI) / Multi-Point Fuel Injection (MPFI)
Transmission Type First Gen:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Type Second Gen:
5-speed Manual
Transmission Type First Gen:
4-speed Automatic
Transmission Type Second Gen:
4-speed Automatic
Traction Control Available:
Optional on some later V6 models.
NHTSA Ratings Era:
Data from the 1988-1997 era for NHTSA ratings is limited and often varies by model year and specific testing procedures. Generally, vehicles of this period offered basic safety features.
ABS Availability:
Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) available as an option on higher trims, particularly with V6 engines, from the later part of the first generation and more commonly on the second generation.
4Ws Contribution:
Four-Wheel Steering (4WS) system offered enhanced maneuverability and stability, contributing to active safety.
Airbags:
Driver-side airbag became standard or optional on later models, particularly the second generation. Passenger airbags were not commonly available during this period for this model.
Seatbelts:
Three-point inertia-reel seatbelts were standard.
Audio System:
Factory-installed AM/FM/Cassette/CD players were common. Upgraded speaker systems and amplifier options were available on higher trims.
Climate Control:
Manual climate control was standard, with automatic climate control and digital displays available on some V6 models.
Cruise Control:
Standard on most models, particularly V6 variants.
Power Features:
Power windows, power locks, and power mirrors were standard or widely available options.
Original Connectivity:
Limited to basic radio reception and cassette/CD playback. No Bluetooth or USB connectivity in the modern sense.
Oil Change Interval:
Every 5,000 miles or 6 months, whichever comes first (typical recommendation, check manual for specifics).
Spark Plug Replacement:
Varies by engine, typically around 30,000 - 60,000 miles for conventional plugs, or 100,000 miles for iridium plugs if equipped.
Timing Belt Replacement:
Crucial for V6 engines. Typically recommended every 60,000 to 90,000 miles. Failure can cause severe engine damage.
Engine Oil Type:
API SG or SH, SAE 5W-30 or 10W-30 (check manual for exact viscosity based on climate).
Coolant Type:
Ethylene glycol based coolant, meeting Mazda specifications (e.g., Mazda FL22 for later models, though likely a standard green or orange coolant for this era).
Transmission Fluid Manual:
API GL-4 SAE 75W-90 gear oil.
Transmission Fluid Automatic:
Dexron III ATF or equivalent.
Brake Fluid Type:
DOT 3 or DOT 4 brake fluid.
Engine V6 Idling Problems:
The KL-ZE V6 can develop rough idling or stalling issues due to worn IAC (Idle Air Control) valves or clogged intake manifold runners. Carbon buildup is common.
Cooling System Leaks:
Radiator hoses, thermostat housing, and water pump seals can degrade over time leading to coolant leaks.
Suspension Wear:
Bushings in control arms, sway bars, and strut mounts can wear out, leading to clunks and poor handling. Ball joints and tie rod ends also require regular inspection.
4Ws System Faults:
The 4WS system can experience issues with fluid leaks, pump failures, or faulty rear-wheel steering actuators, often indicated by warning lights or improper operation.
Electrical Gremlins:
Older wiring harnesses can degrade, leading to intermittent issues with power windows, lights, or the fuel pump. Corroded grounds are also a common culprit.
Exhaust Manifold Cracks:
V6 engines, particularly the KL-ZE, are prone to exhaust manifold cracks, leading to exhaust leaks and a characteristic ticking sound.
Mazda Coupe Legacy:
Mazda has a history of producing stylish and driver-focused coupes, building on successes like the RX-7. The MX-6 was part of this lineage, offering a front-wheel-drive alternative with a similar emphasis on design and performance.
First Gen Introduction:
Introduced in 1987 (as a 1988 model year) as a replacement for the Mazda Cosmo/ Luce. It shared its platform with the Ford Probe and Mazda MX-6/Capella. Key features included pop-up headlights and an optional 4-Wheel Steering system.
Second Gen Redesign:
Redesigned for 1991 (as a 1992 model year). It adopted a more aerodynamic, flowing design, and moved to the GE platform. The popular KL-ZE 2.5L V6 engine was introduced, significantly enhancing performance. Pop-up headlights were dropped.
Manufacturing Location:
Primarily manufactured in Hofu, Yamaguchi, Japan.
Production Span:
1987-1997 (for the two generations covered by the manual).
Car And Driver Ten Best:
While not explicitly awarded in the same way as modern vehicles, the MX-6's V6 engines and handling were generally well-regarded by automotive press for their class.
Consumer Reports Era:
Consumer Reports often noted the MX-6 as a reliable and sporty coupe with good handling, though sometimes criticized interior space for rear passengers.
Certification Notes:
No specific safety or design certifications are prominently advertised for this model beyond standard regulatory compliance for its era.
